Speakers
Description
Unlike traditional satellite companies, which often develop custom-build single purpose or very low volume satellites thermal control systems tailored to each mission, our approach at Loft Orbital involves the use of standardized platforms with generic thermal control systems. This approach is key for Loft value proposition which is driven by speed to orbit, cost and risk reductions.
By standardizing the Bus and Payload Accommodation Module (PAM) across numerous satellites, we were able to create a comprehensive dataset that facilitated the development of a surrogate model.
Our methodology begins by identifying key parameters affecting the thermal performance of the Payload Accommodation Module (PAM), such as power dissipation, component aging, seasonal variations, and altitude. We conducted a large set of simulations, systematically varying these parameters to assess their individual and combined effects on the thermal behavior of the system. This process enabled us to identify trends and quantify the influence of each parameter by isolating their effects on the thermal response. Using this data, we constructed a simplified thermal model that calculates temperature variations from a predefined baseline scenario.
This surrogate model was integrated into a user-friendly Python tool featuring an intuitive interface, enabling engineers across disciplines to input relevant parameters or extract them from power analysis data to perform initial thermal assessments without the need for specialized software.
This development enhances accessibility, increases efficiency, and leverages our approach to standardization to speed up the design process. By this approach we aim to reduce the time and resources required for comprehensive thermal assessments, aligning with our company’s goal of making space simple. This also empowers every system, mechanical, electrical or even business development engineers to quickly perform early phase thermal analysis suited to their needs.
